Despite being overlooked for England's latest under-20 game, Sky Blues' striker Gary McSheffrey has vowed to keep faith with his country of birth.

Despite being overlooked for England's latest under-20 game, Sky Blues' striker Gary McSheffrey has vowed to keep faith with his country of birth.

The Coventry kid, who also qualifies to play for Scotland and Ireland due to his parents' lineage, has so far rejected calls to change his allegiance and attempt to forge an international career north of the border.

City manager Gary McAllister has tried to persuade the young player to make himself available for the Scots, but McSheffrey is prepared to stay true to his heart, for the time being at least.

"I am really disappointed just to be on standby for the England under-20 game," said the Coventry-born striker, who hit a midweek hat-trick to take his goal tally to seven.

"I was in the squad in the summer but I think what they are doing is keeping the team together that is the under-20 age group that has come up through the ranks.

"There are a few of the older boys on standby in case they need a few players but I would much rather be in the squad than out."

Centre-back Calum Davenport has been called into the squad to face Germany next week while Jay Bothroyd also finds himself on stand-by.

As far as making a decision about his long term international career, McSheffrey admits: "I am no further forward really.

"It is always an honour to be wanted by an country and to have the choice of who to pick, but my heart is with England and probably always will be.

"Further down my career I will have to look at things like that. Other people have gone to other nationalities and made a good international career.

"It is an honour to be wanted by Scotland but I am letting it go over my head at the moment."